Barbara A (Garrison) Cain

BARBARA CAIN

JERSEYVILLE – Barbara A. Cain, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of God, passed peacefully into eternal life on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at her home in Jerseyville. Surrounded by the love of her devoted family, she left this world as she lived it: with grace, strength, and an unshakable faith. 

Born on September 21, 1948, in Carrollton, Illinois, Barb was the cherished daughter of Virgil Edwin and Florence Catherine (Schleeper) Garrison. Tragically, Barb lost her father at just three months old, but she was lovingly raised by her mother and step-father, Norman “Pete” Erwin, who instilled in her a spirit of resilience and compassion that would define her life. 

Barb married the love of her life, Rev. Wilbur R. “Web” Cain, on January 25, 1969, in Nutwood, Illinois. Their union of 55 years was a testament to their deep commitment to one another and to God. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their family and serving their community through their ministry at Charity Christian Center, which Web founded. Barb was a cornerstone of their ministry, serving as worship leader, pianist, and church secretary. Her faith, music, and tireless dedication inspired countless lives and strengthened the hearts of all who knew her. 

Barb’s professional life was equally impactful. Off and on, from 1966 to 2017, Barb worked for Jersey Community School District #100, serving a total of 29 years. She held roles as secretary at Fieldon Elementary School, bus rider, and later as a bus driver. In each position, she brought a spirit of care, kindness, and reliability that left a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike.

Barb was a woman of extraordinary grace and love, known for her devotion to her family, her faith, and her church. She embodied the essence of love in all she did – be it as a mother, a doting grandmother, or a devoted wife to Web, who described her as “the true love of my life”. Together, Barb and Web created a life filled with joyful adventures, traveling to remarkable places and sharing their journey hand in hand. 

Barb was also known for her sharp sense of style and attention to detail. Whether she was serving at church or simply headed to the grocery store, Barb always presented herself with elegance, complete with her signature jewelry collection – a source of playful teasing with Web, who she lovingly told to stop buying her rings because she “only had 10 fingers.” 

She was an incredible cook and homemaker, taking great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home for her family. Fried chicken, chocolate and ice cream where amongst her favorites, but more than her culinary talents, it was Barb’s open heart and generous spirit that truly nourished those around her. She was a shining example of God’s love, and her unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Surviving are her loving husband, Rev. Wilbur Cain of Jerseyville; three daughters, Scherry (Rod) Spangler of Ballwin, Missouri, Melissa (David) Voke of Godfrey and Mary Abbott of Jerseyville; seven grandchildren, Zachary, Derrick, Ethan, Jessica, Madeline, Katherine, Josephine and Celine; two great grandchildren, Natalie and Alix; a brother, Ed Garrison of Sparks, Nevada; sisters in-law, Denise Garrison of St. Louis, Missouri, Norma Garrison of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Susan Garrison of Godfrey;  as well as many in-laws and extended family members in the Cain family, all of whom Barb cherished as her own. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Virgil Garrision; her mother and step-father, Florence and Pete Erwin; her son, Joseph Patrick Cain, who preceded her in death on Augsut 23, 2020; a granddaughter, Niki Bray; three brothers, Tom, Paul and Bob Garrison; as well as a sister in infancy, Rosemary Garrison. 

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m.  on Monday, November 25 at LifechurchX in Jerseyville, the former Charity Christian Center, where Barb and Web devoted so much of their lives. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday with Rev. Matt Heck officiating.

Burial will follow at the Fieldon Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to LifechurchX, ensuring Barb’s legacy of faith and love continues to touch lives for years to come. 

Barb Cain was a woman who lived a life of love – love for God, her family, her church and her community. Her faith was her foundation, her family her greatest joy, and her love the gift she gave to all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, the beauty of her life will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. 

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements, and memories may be shared with Barb’s family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com  

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